Viking operates the largest fleet of our own river cruise vessels, and we are proud to offer you the best ships in each region where we travel. Most of the 20 Viking ships were built since 2000, and the rest have been recently renovated. Our ships are smaller than ocean vessels, so every stateroom has an outside view of the river and passing scenery. And the flat-bottomed shape of these ships ensures a safe and smooth ride with no worries about motion sickness. Viking ships are specially designed to navigate the world’s great rivers and provide convenient access to every destination along the way.
Select a region from the menus at the right to see where each of our ships will be traveling in the coming months.
Europe’s Cutting Edge
We are delighted with the 2009 launch of Viking Legend, truly the ultimate in river cruising vessels with all the latest amenities and efficient “green” technology. Viking Legend joined our European fleet, which also includes Viking Sun and Viking Helvetia—these three vessels are the very best ships sailing in Europe today, featuring deluxe staterooms, each boasting a French balcony or picture window. And for 2010, enjoy deluxe staterooms with hotel-style beds in France.
Best River Ships in Russia
We have dramatically upgraded our Russian fleet—Viking Surkov and Viking Kirov offer deluxe staterooms throughout, including suites and singles, and an expanded restaurant facility. These are by far the best river cruise ships in Russia.
A 5-Star Floating Hotel on the Yangtze
For 2010, Viking Century Sun proudly plies the waters of China’s Yangtze River. Guests enjoy a balcony in every stateroom—so they never miss a view. This glorious vessel has a full Western-style kitchen for a variety of delectable cuisine, and Swiss hotel management brings the Viking standards of service, cleanliness and excellence to the Far East. Famed maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, known for their work with several leading ocean cruise lines, designed this ship, awarded a 5-star rating by the China National Tourism Office, especially for Viking.
Sail Aboard a Fine Hotel
Our ships have Scandinavian-influenced interiors designed to be sleek, comfortable and uncluttered in appearance. Furnishings are crafted of fine woods; fabrics are wools, cashmeres, cottons and linens in a neutral palette well-suited to river travel.
Perhaps the most important surfaces are made of clear glass—because you won’t want to miss any of the passing scenery. Every ship features an impressive observation lounge with panoramic windows. Restaurants surround diners with large picture windows. Or, you may dispense with glass altogether: the sun deck always provides fantastic 360° views.
Many of our ships have spacious atrium-style lobby areas where guests are greeted and assisted during their voyage. Each ship also offers a cozy library stocked with the latest itinerary-specific reading materials. Some have a spa, beauty salon, physician or even a tailor. More details specific to the ships on your selected itineraries are available when viewing those itineraries on this website.
Built for the World’s Great Rivers
Viking ships are dedicated and “purpose-built” for the rivers they travel. Their size and shape fit perfectly when going through narrow passages or river lock systems, and the wheelhouses of our European ships actually descend to allow passage under bridges. And some Viking ships that navigate the Main-Danube Canal have a promenade deck, allowing passengers the great benefit of being outdoors throughout the 106-mile passage.